Architectural Engineering Commons^™

"Nitrate Plant Number Two", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Research Articles

Tennessee Valley Authority Nitrate Plant Two was constructed in Muscle Shoals, Alabama after President Woodrow Wilson authorized the project in 1916. The plant was one of two nitrate plants in the area. The first TVA nitrate plant is in Sheffield Alabama. Photographs of the employee housing and support facilities associated with the nitrate plants are available in the Nitrate Plant Image Gallery.

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"The Builder Of Wilson Dam", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Research Articles

The article presents a brief overview of the people responsible for the construction of Tennessee Valley Authority Dam Number Two, later known as the Wilson Dam. The dam was designed by C. M. Hackett, while a team of engineers directed by General Lansing H. Beach oversaw the project's construction. McDonald places particular emphasis on district engineer Col. Hugh L. Cooper, "a self-educated engineer in hydroelectric energy" whom he recognizes as the "builder" of the Wilson Dam.

"The Canal Building Genius", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Research Articles

George Washington Goethals, the engineer who constructed the Panama Canal, was also employed to construct the Muscle Shoals Canal in North Alabama. During the construction of the canal, Goethals lived on Wood Avenue near the University of North Alabama. Multiple historical markers commemorating Goethals' time in North Alabama exist, including the one designating his home, the Florence Walk of Honor, and his mention on the Muscle Shoals Canal Marker.

Effective Locations And Landscape Design For Ev Charging Sites In The Intermountain West, Eli Woodward

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

The rapid growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States, particularly in the Intermountain West, has created an increasing demand for accessible and well-distributed charging infrastructure, yet limited attention has been given to how site selection and landscape design influence the effectiveness and user experience of these locations. This thesis explores how EV charging stations can be strategically located and designed to improve usability, encourage engagement, and support local economic development through a multi-criteria site selection process that considers major transportation corridors, regional demographics, Opportunity Zones, and proximity to recreational and public lands. Using geographic information systems (GIS), …

Field Calibration Of Flow Over Tilting Weirs In Canals, Joseph E. Pugh, Timothy K. Gates, S. Karan Venayagamoorthy, Caner Kutlu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Tilting weirs are widely used to regulate water levels in open channel irrigation systems and can also provide flow measurement capability that helps optimize irrigation efficiency and ensure equitable water distribution. This case study demonstrates adaptation of lab-based tilting weir ratings to field settings, where flow behavior is more complex. We compile and analyze an extensive data set derived from independent studies of five structures within three canal systems, featuring both lined and unlined channels with discharge ranging from 0.35 to 15 m3/s (12 to 530 ft3/s). Results indicate that lab-based rating equations can be calibrated to account for site-specific …

Effect Of Rheology Modification On Fiber Orientation And Dispersion In 3d-Printed Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, Haodao Li, Alfred Addai-Nimoh, Seongho Han, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The extrusion process in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) facilitates horizontal alignment of steel fibers along the printing direction, thus enhancing the load-bearing capacity of printed elements. However, such shear-induced fiber alignment is highly sensitive to rheological properties. This study investigates how variations in dynamic yield stress (τd) and plastic viscosity (μ), influence the extrudability, fiber orientation and dispersion, and anisotropic mechanical behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Five viscosity-modifying agent (VMA) types were incorporated at two content levels to modify the rheology of printable UHPC. Results showed that moderate VMA additions improved printability, whereas excessive contents markedly increased τd and μ; …

Xenaform Algorithm, Alden Ulysses Quandt

Architectural Engineering

This project develops a computer-generated form-finding process for XenaForms, a discrete folded-plate shell system made from rigid triangular panels and hinge-like edge connections. Using Blender and Python, the workflow generates an initial top-down triangular strip, expands it into a fuller shell through stability-guided growth, checks the resulting geometry against a local stability rule, and culls unstable or erroneous elements. The algorithm translates XenaForm stability principles into a usable design tool while also accounting for constructability through sheet-size constraints and geometric collision checks. The result is a Blender-based workflow that can rapidly produce stable, varied XenaForm models for architectural, sculptural, and …

A Comparative Study Of Green And Cool Roof Strategies In Energy Saving And Thermal Performance In The Hot-Arid Climate Of Uae, Asma Saqer Al Blooshi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The climate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is characterized by extreme hot-arid conditions, with prolonged summers, intense solar radiation, and elevated temperatures. This significantly increases the building's cooling demand. Due to the UAE's reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, reducing energy consumption in buildings is recognized as a strategic objective aligned with the UAE Vision for Sustainability. Roofs represent an essential element of a building's envelope, significantly influencing thermal absorption, particularly in low-rise villas featuring exposed flat concrete slabs. Consequently, roofing strategies such as cool and green roofs serve as a viable passive method to reduce cooling loads …

Sustainable Retrofitting Strategies Of Residential Roofs To Meet Minimal Energy Consumption Targets In The Uae, Alyazia Maktoum Alsheraifi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Due to the United Arab Emirates having a hot arid climate, residential buildings experience high cooling demands. A major building element for solar heat gain through buildings are roofs. This study evaluates roof retrofitting strategies for existing low rise residential villas in Al Ain. The aim is to reduce cooling energy consumption, improve indoor thermal comfort, and support compliance with current UAE envelope performance requirements. A case-study villa (Majlis space) was monitored during the peak summer period. Indoor temperature data were recorded using a HOBO device and used to derive an operational HVAC schedule for simulation input. The baseline model …

Assessing Video Game Pedagogy For Civil Engineering Education And K-12 Stem Engagement, Jillian Codron, Anahid A. Behrouzi

Architectural Engineering

Traditional civil engineering education is often structured around a “theory before practice” model, where students first learn concepts in lecture and then confirm them in a laboratory setting. This paper explores an alternative approach to this, involving leveraging video games as exploratory, feedback-rich platforms for introducing K-12 students to civil engineering.

The objectives of this work are to: (1) evaluate the educational potential of the selected games, (2) survey undergraduate structural engineering students and current practitioners to assess how gaming has shaped their interest in STEM pathways, (3) conduct interviews with faculty and educators to capture perspectives on integrating game-based …

Transforming Dredged Sediment Into Reactive Clay: Critical Review Of Calcination, Reactivity, And Sustainable Valorization As Supplementary Cementitious Material, Seongho Han, Sanghwon Wi, Koochul Ji, Keun Hyeok Yang, Farshad Rajabipour, Kamal H. Khayat, Jinyoung Yoon

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dredged sediment (DS) is generated worldwide in large volumes through routine port and waterway maintenance, yet its disposal presents environmental and economic challenges. Recently, calcined dredged sediment (CDS) has emerged as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), offering a viable alternative to traditional SCMs, such as fly ash and slag cement. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of raw DS and pretreatment strategies aimed at dewatering, organic matter removal, and contaminant stabilization. The effects of calcination on the production of reactive amorphous aluminosilicates are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on physicochemical changes revealed by experimental …

Assessment Of The Readiness Of Architectural Design Companies To Adopt Eco-Friendly Nanotechnologies In Sustainable Building Design, Ashwaq Essa Al Khalil

Dissertations and Theses

Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising innovation in sustainable architectural design, although its adoption remains slow. Research highlights the advantages of incorporating nanotechnologies in architecture, including improved material performance, enhanced thermal efficiency, reduced energy consumption, improved durability, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These advantages make nanomaterials a promising solution for sustainable building design, particularly in hot-climate regions where energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with conventional building design practices remain major concerns.

Despite this potential, nanotechnology adoption in architecture faces several challenges, including limited real-world applications, slow diffusion in practice, and persistent organizational, economic, and regulatory barriers. …

Ai And Repertory Grid In Architectural Studios For Crafting A Brand Design, Ala' Faleh Ahmed Albdour

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Architectural education is currently at a crossroads. On one hand, technological innovation, particularly in the realm of design tools, is advancing at a pace that few curricula can match. On the other, public expectations of architecture are shifting, with communities seeking designs that better reflect their identity and lived experience. Yet, in many universities, the traditional studio model still dominates, relying on instructor-led critique sessions that, while valuable, can sometimes narrow student independence and overlook community priorities. This dissertation takes up that challenge by exploring an unusual pairing: generative AI text-to-image platforms, such as MidJourney, with the Repertory Grid Technique …

Greenhouse Scan-To-Bim, Mattheus Hsu-Ning Johnson

Architectural Engineering

This senior project focuses on the implementation of Scan-to-BIM software for capturing and modeling an existing building within Experimental Construction laboratory. The design of the project was to model the building using a 3D scan with the support of world measurements to document and create a digital model of the building. By doing this the project can evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy of integrating 3D scanning technologies into BIM modeling.

The project included taking data from a recent scan of the Experimental Construction Laboratory. We then took these scans and imported them to Autodesk Revit to develop a detailed …

Lidar At Poly Canyon, An Binh Chuong

Architectural Engineering

Poly Canyon serves as a living laboratory that reflects Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy through a collection of student-designed and student-constructed structures. Among these is Fratessa Tower, a reinforced concrete observation tower distinguished by its tripod support system, cable-suspended observation deck, and steel spiral staircase. The tower’s unconventional geometry and exposed structural system present unique challenges for documentation, making it well suited for evaluating modern reality-capture and modeling techniques.

This project focused on creating an accurate as-built Building Information Model (BIM) of Fratessa Tower using LiDAR-based scanning, field verification, and Autodesk Revit. Point cloud data were processed to reconstruct …

Flexural Behavior And Failure Mode Assessment Of Concrete-Encased Steel Beams Constructed With Experimental Cardboard Formwork, Luke Robert Jones, Drew Takeshi Kawaguchi

Architectural Engineering

This project investigated the flexural behavior of a concrete-encased W8×13 steel beam detailed without conventional longitudinal reinforcement and constructed using an experimental cardboard/Masonite formwork system. A bare steel control specimen and an encased composite specimen were tested under identical loading conditions to evaluate the effects of concrete confinement and welded transverse reinforcement on lateral-torsional buckling behavior. Results showed that the encased specimen remained laterally stable and developed flexural cracking and concrete crushing rather than the lateral-torsional buckling observed in the control beam. The study also demonstrated that the modified cardboard formwork successfully contained the concrete without the seepage failures observed …

Stem Workshops For Pre-K Students, Sofia Berg, Ashlyn Swoboda

Architectural Engineering

This project involved the development and implementation of a four-part structural engineering workshop series for preschool-aged children at the Orfalea Children’s Center at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The workshops were designed to introduce fundamental structural engineering concepts through age-appropriate discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities focused on engineering careers, structural shapes, skyscrapers, and bridges. The lessons emphasized concepts such as stability, bracing, structural loading, seismic behavior, and iterative design while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and problem solving.

Throughout the workshop series, students actively participated in discussions, demonstrated enthusiasm for engineering activities, and were able to recall concepts introduced in …

Xenaforms: Reinforcing Kinematic Stability Through Rigid Connections, Katherine G. Thies

Architectural Engineering

XenaForms combine rigid planes and straight lines with the fluidity of structural origami to create beautiful, organic folded plate structures. Unlike many conventional structures, folded plate systems derive their stability from the interaction between connected panels, creating the appearance of a single continuous sheet of material. The XenaForm uses structural origami and triangulation to create stable points at the apex of two non-colinear triangles. While it is mathematically true that no moment needs to be transferred across the seam between panels in order to have a stable structure, allowing some moment capacity greatly helps during construction. Specifically, these stiff connections …

Thousand Hills Pet Resort Deck Design, Kenzie Brown

Architectural Engineering

On-site residential units at Thousand Hills Pet Resort currently lack ADA-compliant access, as entry is limited to small, elevated doorways that are only reachable by stairs. A deck connecting the units and providing accessible ingress and egress was designed for this senior project.

In addition to the ADA requirements, the property is expected to undergo significant redevelopment in the coming years. As a result, the deck design must not only meet accessibility needs but also be adaptable and reusable. The final design is a modular deck structure utilizing a hybrid foundation system that facilitates future relocation of the deck. The …

Modular House Design Study, Jordan J. P. Smith

Architectural Engineering

The Modular House is a student designed and constructed structure in Poly Canyon. For decades it served as a home for the Canyon’s caretakers who maintained the structures, looked over the Canyon, and helped construct student projects. After being abandoned for a variety of reasons, the structure now currently stands as an open-air pavilion.

This project studies The Modular House as a unique and storied site and proposes a theoretical retrofit to make the structure habitable again. Historical documents, past senior projects, images, and firsthand accounts were reviewed to understand the site’s history and how it changed over time. In …

Design And Implementation Of A Honeycomb Damping System For The 2026 Eeri Seismic Design Competition, Vera Nguyen, Lauryn Wojcik

Architectural Engineering

The authors of this report were a part of the 2026 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) chapter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In July 2026, they will travel to Portland, Oregon with 12 students to compete in the Undergraduate Seismic Design Competition hosted by EERI. The competition required teams to develop a comprehensive structural design proposal that included computer-based modeling and analysis, construction of three physical models, and the preparation of both a technical poster and oral presentation for a proposed high-rise building located in Portland, Oregon. Cal Poly’s “Illahee Tower” was designed with an emphasis on …

Caed Shop Entrance Wall Construction, Mason Neil Mitchell, Benjamin Joseph Rohrer

Architectural Engineering

This project involves the demolition and reconstruction of the CAED Support Shop Wall at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The project was designed as a multidisciplinary project, combining architectural engineering and construction management students who collaborated on the rehabilitation of an existing structure. This project aimed to use “replication” as a means of historical preservation and restoration, specifically in the fabrication of custom CMU members.

Concrete And Masonry Code (Beams), Michael Alexander Simas Rocha

Architectural Engineering

This report only covers the beam design of the code that was written. The end goal of this project is to write code for concrete and masonry following what was taught in the lecture classes. This project is acting as a foundation for the end goal of a program that can compete with SAP2000, ETABS, RISA, and others. One final goal is to have the print out have the look and feel of having been done by hand. While coding; several factors were recorded including time spent coding, debugging, and then to do three problems by hand vs how long …

The Xenaform: Structure Through Geometry, Justin Tobias Mendoza Ocampo, Emily Marie Labrador, Banyan Walker, Paul Minchev, Brayden Sean Kelleher, Ethan Mario Ceccarelli

Architectural Engineering

The XenaForm is a geometry-driven structural system that incorporates complex forms generated from simple rules of stability, inspired by the work of Iannis Xenakis and reworked by Professor Edmond Saliklis. This project investigates how structural stability can be achieved through geometric configurations rather than a reliance upon material strength alone. By utilizing the design principles of trilateration and the interconnection of triangular panels, the XenaForm was constructed in accordance with the rules of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures Pavilion Competition. The team generated several design iterations and selected a final design to fabricate and construct, considering affordability, …

Hidden Systems, Samuel Choi

Masters Theses

Across buildings and cities, moisture is managed, concealed, and discharged through convoluted systems of containment. Still, water ultimately resists this framework. It reveals itself as leaks, puddles, condensation—moments typically understood as technical failure. Hidden Systems reframes these conditions as architectural knowledge, one that becomes evidence of water’s material capacity, limits of infrastructure, and a record of time.

NYC is constructed on, powered by, and profiting from water. Although it hosts a robust network, seepages disrupt control, allowing systems to be traced across scales. As pipes expand, contract, and freeze, the project unfolds seasonally, moving through water’s three states: solid, liquid, …

Deployable Shelter Systems For Emergency Response Using Scissor Mechanism, Farzad Saeidi

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

This thesis investigates the architectural potential of deployable scissor-based structures as rapid-response shelter systems for emergency, post-disaster, and transitional recovery contexts. While deployable systems are often valued for speed and compactness, this research frames deployability as a broader architectural capacity that integrates structural performance, transportability, constructability, habitability, and adaptability to uncertain environmental and social conditions.

Climate Responsive Design For Airport Terminals In Hot Arid Climates, Zahra Salmizadeh

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

This thesis argues that the roof of an airport terminal can be transformed from a neutral cover into an operational design tool that actively shapes passenger experience in hot arid environments. Drawing from observed challenges in contemporary airport concourses, including those identified through the D Gates concourse at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas as an example, the study examines roof structure, envelope, and form as distinct but interrelated design fields. It investigates how these components influence wayfinding clarity, thermal and visual comfort, acoustic performance, and spatial identity in large scale airport interiors.

Domain-Specific Design On Fpga And Npu For Scientific Computing And On-Device Llm Inference, Miaoxiang Yu

All Dissertations

High-performance computing (HPC) is changing rapidly as scientific simulations and large language model (LLM) workloads push the need for higher performance under tight power and memory constraints. Conventional platforms such as CPUs and GPUs accelerate computation through instruction-driven parallelism, relying on multithreading, SIMD, and SIMT execution, but increasingly encounter scalability limits imposed by the power and memory walls. In contrast, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Neural Processing Units (NPUs) offer a high-efficiency alternative through dataflow-oriented architectures that exploit deep pipelining and customized memory hierarchies to reduce data movement. However, the performance potential of these spatial accelerators remains largely unrealized when …

Mineral King Cabin Roof Rennovation, Leilani G. Lau

Architectural Engineering

This project explored performance-based design by analyzing and redesigning the roof for a cabin built in the 1950s and located in Mineral King Valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. The Sierra Nevada Mountains experience heavy amounts of snow during the winter season. In the winter, the cabin is unoccupied, so the performance objective was collapse prevention, rather than life safety. Since the performance objective focused on collapse prevention at a time when the building was unoccupied, the probability of failure did not need to be low, so safety factors were omitted. This approach required deeper understanding of the code …